Since the current financial meltdown began various means of cutting costs devised to help people struggling to survive while battling with bills have either yielded or failed to yield the desired result. The outcome notwithstanding, people are far from giving up.

In the past the strategy many motorists took to was dumping their four wheels and turning to two wheels, particularly bicycles. Cycling has numerous advantages that include improved health, saving on cost and less hassle when compared to driving a car.

For environmental campaigners this move is a huge gain because there will be less gas emission and the environment will be a safer and better place for all. Thus, the choice of switching to two wheels got the endorsement of almost everyone.

Smaller vehicles

One more device, recently noticed though, is the push by a growing number of drivers for smaller vehicles. In major cities like London there has been a concerted effort, via campaigns, to discourage the use of gas-guzzlers. But, in spite of higher charges, the trend seemed undeterred.

But a new study by Saga has shown a sharp reversal as more and more motorists are forced by the credit crunch to switch to a car with a smaller engine so as to pay less on car insurance. Apart from cheaper premiums enjoyed by those driving smaller models of cars, there is also the advantage of paying less on petrol, tax and other expenses associated with motoring. Up to 2.7 million UK motorists have found this a convenient way to beat down their expenses, all in a bit to sail through the credit crisis.

The Saga survey, in detail, revealed that the number of those choosing the option of cutting on cost by increasing their voluntary excesses represents 8 per cent of drivers across the country. Another 8 per cent have taken the downsizing option to reduce their insurance bill as well as related expenses. In the same manner there are 4 per cent of drivers that have expunged named drivers from their policies.

False economy

Whereas the above options are considered the right move at the right time, experts are however worried that there are motorist that are also increasing their financial risks by removing optional extras from their policies. The implication of not having a breakdown cover or legal expenses as part of one’s policy could be grave, at least financially. A few months ago experts warned that drivers without a breakdown cover pay as much as £90 to have their vehicle recovered and or fixed.

Of course cutting out unnecessary expenses could help a lot in surviving the financial crisis. But resorting to a false economy is certainly going to increase one’s financial problems at a time such things need to be avoided.

The shoparound option

Although times without number have insurance customers been reminded, there is still a need to mention that the best way to get both a quality and cheaper insurance product is by shopping around. Yes, downsizing, among other options, is a simple step towards taking more control of one’s finances. But by shopping around, comparing prices and going for the policy that best suits your needs you will be saving yourself a lot of troubles, financial and much else.